George Municipal Council has approved the rezoning of a portion of Erf 221, George, paving the way for the future construction of two new bulk potable water storage reservoirs that will significantly strengthen the municipality’s long-term water security.
The decision, taken at a Special Council Meeting held on 23 June 2026, forms part of the implementation of the Municipality’s approved Water Master Plan and long-term infrastructure programme aimed at ensuring a reliable water supply for a growing population.
The proposed reservoirs will provide an additional 33 million litres (33ML) of bulk potable water storage capacity. The project will be implemented in phases, with the first 16.5ML reservoir planned for construction in the near future, while a second 16.5ML reservoir will be developed as future demand and growth require.
The new reservoirs are planned on municipal-owned land situated west of the existing bulk storage reservoirs above the New Water Treatment Works.
Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson welcomed the Council’s decision, describing it as an important investment in George’s future. “While recent rainfall has brought welcome relief to our water supply system, Responsible municipalities must continue planning. George continues to grow, and we must ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with that growth. Today’s decision is a significant milestone towards improving our potable water storage capacity and strengthening the resilience of our water supply system for future generations,” said Mayor Johnson.
The Municipality’s existing bulk potable water reservoirs currently provide approximately 43.6 million litres of storage, equating to about 40 hours of supply under current demand conditions.
Studies undertaken through the Municipality’s Water Master Plan have identified the need for an additional 33 million litres of storage capacity to ensure sufficient water availability during normal operations, peak demand periods, maintenance activities, and emergencies.
MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr Donovan Gultig, said the project forms part of the Municipality’s long-term strategy to safeguard water services. “Additional storage capacity provides greater operational flexibility and improves our ability to manage future growth, maintenance requirements, and unforeseen disruptions. This project demonstrates our commitment to proactive planning and sustainable service delivery,” said Gultig.
Council’s approval authorises the commencement of the required land-use planning processes, including the rezoning of approximately 12 000 square metres of municipal land from Agricultural Zone 1 (vacant/undeveloped land) to Utility Zone to accommodate the proposed reservoirs and associated infrastructure.
The Civil Engineering Services Directorate is currently in the detailed design phase of the project and is simultaneously pursuing the necessary environmental authorisations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act and the National Water Act.
The construction of the reservoirs remains subject to the completion of statutory planning processes, environmental approvals, and future budgetary allocations.
The Municipality will continue to provide updates as the project progresses through the various planning and approval stages.
